Pallenis spinosa – Spiny Starwort
Explore Pallenis spinosa (Spiny Starwort) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Pallenis spinosa | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Spiny Starwort, Spiny Golden Star
Family: Asteraceae
Appearance: An erect, branching, hairy herb with oblong to lance-shaped leaves. Bears bright yellow flower heads surrounded by a star of long, leaf-like bracts with spiny tips.
Type: Annual or biennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herbaceous
Root System: Taproot
Height: 0.2–0.6 m
Width: 0.2–0.4 m
Lifespan: 1–2 years
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees, flies, and beetles
Toxicity: No known toxicity
Pallenis spinosa | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, North Africa, Türkiye, and the Middle East
Companionship: Grows naturally in dry Mediterranean grasslands, garrigue, and disturbed ground alongside other annual herbs and grasses
Invasive Range: No significant invasive range documented
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7–10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance – thrives in dry, stony, and disturbed soils
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance – common in coastal areas
Air Pollution: No confirmed data
Fire: Low tolerance – recolonizes from seed after disturbance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Type: Well-drained, stony, sandy, or calcareous soils
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline, roughly 6.5–8.0
Propagation
Seeds: Yes – primary propagation method; readily self-seeds
Division: No
Cuttings: No
Pallenis spinosa | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: No significant documented use
Medicinal: Flowers and leaves traditionally used as an infusion or decoction, taken orally or applied topically, for inflammation, stomach pain, mouth infections, skin wounds, bruises, and eczema; clinical evidence is limited
Cosmetics: No significant documented use
Animal Feed: No
Fiber: No
Timber: No
Firewood: No
Wind Break: No
Fence: No
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – long-flowering source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects
Pest Repellent: Yes – whole plant traditionally used as an insecticide in the Mediterranean region
Wildlife Supporter: Yes – supports pollinators and other insects in dry Mediterranean habitats
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